Is Extended Warranty Worth it for Electric Vehicles (EVs)?

As we become more eco-conscious, some of us are choosing to drive an electric or hybrid vehicle to improve our carbon footprint and reduce the amount of petrol and diesel cars on the road. In fact, the battery electric vehicle market increased by 57% in 2024, with Tesla leading the way with 1.79 million sales. This highlights the demand for more sustainable travel. Electric vehicle technology has also improved greatly, but they can still be vulnerable to failures. After the manufacturer warranty runs out, drivers could be leaving themselves vulnerable to expensive EV repairs. Luckily, there are EV extended warranty policies available to avoid this, but are they worth it?

Can you get an extended warranty on electric vehicles?

It is possible for an EV owner to get an extended car warranty for an electric vehicle. Extended warranties for electric vehicles operate much like those for traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. They offer an additional layer of protection beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, providing peace of mind and financial security against unexpected repairs.

EV extended warranties cover mechanical and electrical breakdowns for both fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Our electric vehicle warranty policies at ALA are divided into three levels of cover: Silver, Gold and Platinum, each with its own features and component cover to suit you. You can find out more about our EV warranty here. All our warranty policies can cover EV components.

Should I get an extended warranty for my EV?

While the decision ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and preferences, there are several compelling reasons to consider purchasing an extended warranty for your EV:

• Complexity of EV Components: EVs consist of intricate electrical and mechanical components, including batteries, motors, and charging systems. Repairing or replacing these components can be costly, making an extended warranty a smart investment.
• Long-Term Ownership: Many EV owners intend to keep their vehicles for an extended period. As EVs age, the likelihood of mechanical issues may increase, making an extended warranty valuable for used cars or long-term ownership. Explore the extended warranty for cars over 100,000 miles.
• Resale Value: Having an extended warranty can enhance the resale value of your EV. Prospective buyers often view a vehicle with warranty coverage as more desirable and may be willing to offer a favourable price for the peace of mind.

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When You Don’t Need an EV Extended Warranty

Car warranty comes in handy if you experience an unexpected vehicle fault, so it’s definitely a priority for unreliable cars. While the rate of failures in EVs is typically lower than with internal combustion engine cars, the repairs can be more expensive .

Here are some circumstances where you could forego extended warranty for your EV

1. You already have a manufacturer warranty in place
2. Your EV battery warranty is still in place and you want to take the risk with the rest of the car
3. You can afford any kind of EV repair, even though it’s 25% more expensive
4. Your car model is ultra-reliable so it’s worth the risk

What is covered under an EV extended warranty?

Coverage can vary depending on the specific plan chosen. However, basic coverage includes:

• The EV system: this includes the electric motor, traction motor inverter, onboard charger and electric car battery.
• Electrical components such as the alternator, indicator relay and horn unit. These components are available on our silver policy, whereas our comprehensive platinum policies cover the vast majority of parts.
• Brakes are also covered in our electric vehicle extended warranty policies at ALA, but any part designed to wear away, such as the brake pads, are not included.
• Suspension and steering cover are included in our silver car warranty package, including the steering rack and pinion, steering box and idler box.
• Engine components are also covered for hybrid vehicles, including the oil pump, hydraulic lifters and small end bearings.

EV Warranties vs Traditional Car Warranties

While some providers offer a separate electric car warranty, there is lots of overlap with a traditional car. Instead of an internal combustion engine and fuel system, an EV uses batteries, electric motors, DC-DC converters, and power inverters, and a more complex ECU. EVs also use automatic transmission. PHEVs use a combination of parts from traditional cars and EVs.

By selecting a comprehensive warranty policy, you can be confident that all the key components of your EV are covered, there is no need for a specialist policy. Even Gold and Silver plans from ALA offer generous cover for electric and mechanical faults.

Extended vs Manufacturers’ EV Battery Warranties

EV manufacturers often include a battery warranty for up to ten years, because it’s often the most expensive replacement if it fails. However, this doesn’t cover you for any other failure. This is where EV extended warranty helps. It covers the battery and a huge variety of key car parts, so you’ll have peace of mind on the road and not just over the car batteries.

You can find out more about what our different warranty policy levels cover here.

Key factors to consider when choosing EV extended warranty

When evaluating extended warranty options for your EV, consider the following factors:

• Coverage Limits: Review the coverage details carefully to understand what is included and excluded from the car warranty plan.
• Deductibles: Determine if the warranty requires you to pay a deductible (otherwise called excess) for each repair visit and assess whether the deductible amount is reasonable. A benefit of ALA warranty is its zero excess cover.
• Provider Reputation: Choose a reputable warranty provider with a history of prompt claims processing and excellent customer service. We have a 92% five-star rating on Trustpilot out of almost 20,000 reviews (Apr, 2024), so you can rest assured that you are in good hands.
• Transferability: If you plan to sell your EV before the warranty expires, opt for a warranty plan that is transferable to the new owner. This can enhance the appeal to prospective buyers Read about transferring ALA warranty with no fees.

Second-hand EV Warranty Considerations

Used electric vehicles are an excellent way to save money – EVs are incredibly expensive to buy new! However, this could mean losing out on the manufacturer warranty, leaving you vulnerable to an expensive repair. If this is the case, you can always purchase a used car warranty. We have policies available for used cars up to 16 years and 150,000 miles.

How much does an EV warranty cost?

The cost of an EV extended warranty can vary based on factors such as the make, model, age, mileage of the vehicle and the level of coverage selected. By entering your reg number and mileage, you can find out how much your EV extended warranty policy could cost you. You can choose to pay in full or in monthly instalments with 0% APR finance.

You can start building your EV warranty quote here.

How ALA EV warranty can help

At ALA, we offer comprehensive extended warranty coverage to help you avoid expensive repair costs once your original warranty runs out. Our plans provide protection against costly repairs, ensuring that you can enjoy your EV with confidence and peace of mind. With ALA, you’ll benefit from:

• Extensive Coverage: ALA’s EV extended warranties cover a wide range of mechanical and electrical components, charging systems are only covered under Platinum policies and car batteries are not included.
• Affordable Plans: ALA offers competitive pricing on their extended warranty plans, making them accessible to EV owners of all budgets.
• Award-Winning Customer Service: ALA’s is committed to providing exceptional customer service, with prompt claims processing and dedicated UK-based support to address any concerns.
• Zero Excess: No matter the cost of your covered repair, we don’t charge any excess.
• No Pre-Inspection: No arranging an inspection with a mechanic means you can avoid the faff and get cover sooner.
• Wear & Tear Cover: Available for Platinum policyholders, you’re covered if a part reaches the end of its natural working life.
• Continental Cover: Rest assured, if your vehicle fails on holiday, you get the same cover across the whole of the UK.

Explore our other products such as GAP insurance or auto insurance excess cover to protect your finances.

To find out more about our electric car warranty cover, you can get in touch with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do to keep my EV warranty valid?

Like traditional cover, you need to ensure your car is regularly serviced. If not, your car’s failure could be down to negligence and therefore won’t be covered by warranty. When claiming, you should always seek approval from your provider before repairs go ahead otherwise you may not be covered. Simply hand the approved repairer our details for them to get in touch.

Extended warranty vs prepaid maintenance: what’s the difference?

A pre-paid maintenance plan or service plan is a way of financing your scheduled yearly service; it doesn’t cover sudden failures. Extended warranty on the other hand is an insured product which covers the cost of repairing electrical or mechanical failures.

How long is a typical EV battery warranty?

Normally, manufacturers, such as Tesla will insure the battery for up to 8 years or 100,000 miles, however, this varies, so make sure to check when yours expires. Once it does, don’t hesitate to get an extended warranty policy before you’re ineligible.

How does MotorEasy’s electric warranty differ from other electric warranties?

To compare extended warranty providers, read the full guide: MotorEasy vs ALA warranty

Do extended warranties cover electric car batteries?

Yes, a good EV warranty policy will include battery failures but check your component cover before assuming its insured.